Subaru Question

"Audio Tachometer" (audiotachometer) 08/28/2015 at 16:41 • Filed to: None

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Hello everybody, long time no-poster here. I’m back from hiatus/lurking to ask a question to the old time Subaru nuts. I’m looking at a 1984 GL wagon with 160k on it. I’m not afraid of doing a little wrenching and maintenance work, but I’m not at all familiar with Subarus and their strange non V8 engines and non transfer case 4wd.

So with that in mind, what should I look out for when I take a preliminary look at it? Good points? Weak points? Maintenance quirks? Not quite on topic anecdotes? Anything is appreciated. Link below.

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ttyymmnn > Audio Tachometer 08/28/2015 at 16:48

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I can’t help you with your Subaru question, but I wanted to remark on your screen name. I dig it. I haven’t looked at the tach in my Golf ages.

ceanderson920 > Audio Tachometer 08/28/2015 at 16:50

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I have no idea about the subaru, but it is pretty fucking cool! It would make a pretty sweet partymobile.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Audio Tachometer 08/28/2015 at 16:57

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Those cars are slow. Like really slow, did I mention they are slow? I just want to reiterate that the GL with a 1.8/1.6l is very slow. Otherwise they are kind of cool, easy to fix and nearly indestructible but venerable to rust. That car is still only a $1000 car, even in Missoula the land of old ass outbacks.

Audio Tachometer > ttyymmnn 08/28/2015 at 17:06

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It's a euphemism an old friend uses for an exhaust leak. I'll get it fixed one of these days...

Audio Tachometer > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 08/28/2015 at 17:09

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Do you mind if I ask why it's still a $1000 car?

ttyymmnn > Audio Tachometer 08/28/2015 at 17:19

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And that's damned clever, too.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Audio Tachometer 08/28/2015 at 17:45

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Because it is so slow, it’s like a slow tax. That being said the asking price for this reasonably well preserved specimen is probably about right. Fun fact: These cars have adjustable shocks, you can increase the ride height by 2” or so by turning some bolts under the fenders.

PowderHound > Audio Tachometer 08/28/2015 at 17:49

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If you are worried about working on a boxer, don't be. They are so damn simple, if not a little tight. Just need ratchet wrenches and u joints. 10 and 12 mm nothing else (mostly)

Audio Tachometer > PowderHound 08/29/2015 at 01:19

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That sounds extremely refreshing compared to big block V8s and other japanese cars that I have worked on. I’m kind of worried about head gaskets, though it doesn’t sound like a big job. Anything else that likes to fail?

PowderHound > Audio Tachometer 08/29/2015 at 10:38

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On the non turbo? Not really. And even on those old cars I don't think head gaskets were an issue. I just did valve cover gaskets on my WRX for the first time and it was insanely easy. Lots of down time because they were dirty as all hell and I wanted to make sure I did it right. Total wrenching time was maybe a few hours though.